Since summer is in full swing around the March-October months, you need to start thinking about how to keep your car cool. Cars in this part of the world have a tendency to become hot boxes and trap heat, especially when they are parked outside. Almost hot enough to double as a stove!
Credit: Queensland Police
Here are some tips for you to battle the harsh heat in your vehicle:
1. Window Tints
Almost all cars in the UAE have tints of some kind and there’s a good reason for its popularity. It is actually considered to be a necessity in these parts because of how high the temperatures soar with highs of up to 50 degrees celsius.
Tints let in less sunlight into the car depending on the percentage of the tint you choose and they also provide heat rejection on good quality films. Keep in mind, 50% is the legal limit for tints in the UAE and any darker makes it hard to drive at night.
2. Protect Your Steering Wheel
Your steering wheel tends to catch the majority of the heat rays so we use a steering wheel cover. This does the job in protecting the material from fading and damages. You can also throw a cloth over the top of the steering wheel to cut down costs.
Using a steering wheel cover also has an added perk, as it can prevent any tears in the fabric/leather if you wear any rings, bracelets or have long nails.
3. Front Windshield Sunshade
Sunshades are another way to protect your dashboard from the heat. You can find these in car dealerships, supermarkets, garages, etc. Full sized reflective sunshades are more effective but regular sunshades are better than nothing.
4. Dashboard Mat
Do yourself a solid and consider investing in a dashboard mat to save on any future repairs. The dashboard being one of the cars interior areas can be the most exposed to the heat, so by adding a protective layer, you can prevent any heat damages and overheating. The mat also protects the dashboard material from fading, cracking and even melting in worst case scenarios.
5. Keep Your Windows Cracked
It’s important to note that hot air rises, so another surefire way to beat the heat is to crack your windows a little bit to let out some of the hot air that can get trapped in your vehicle. This will also allow for some ventilation in the car.
6. Paint Your Roof A Light Color
Research shows that lighter colors like white do not retain heat as much as darker colors do. It’s a more drastic and expensive option but may pay for itself in cool summer drives, as there will less strain on your AC.
Do keep in mind that painting your car or part of your car a different color than what is registered on your vehicle license or mulkia may cause issues with RTA or the police so get your approvals before making any permanent changes.
7. Cover Leather Seats With Blankets
Leather seats look great and are easy to maintain but are not helpful when you want to keep your car cool. If seat covers are not an option for you, then keep a few blankets or towels to throw over the seats to make hot summer drives more enjoyable.
8. Use Funky Gadgets Like Solar Powered Fans
Here are a few products you can buy to help keep your car cool while parked in the summer heat…
- Solar powered fans
- Window curtains
- Rollup tints
- Car umbrellas
Credit: Tenor – Bruce Almighty
Other Useful Tips
- Keep your possessions away from direct sunlight (Phone, Hand sanitizer, Water bottles, etc.)
- Use the internal air circulation button and start driving or slowly rev your engine to ensure the a/c has enough power
- Park in a shaded area (Under a tree, a building with some shade, etc.)
- Start your car in advance if you have a remote start option
- Insulate your a/c system and ducts
Hopefully some, if not most, of these tips and tricks help you keep your car cool during summer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you want to know more or if we missed something you found to be helpful; [email protected].
